The top-ranked McIlroy and stalwarts of the European team like Poulter, Justin Rose and Graeme McDowell had given their backing to Clarke, who played on four winning teams in the Ryder Cup from 1997-2006 and was vice captain in 2010 and '12.

In 2006, Clarke helped Europe to a record-equaling 18 1/2-9 1/2 victory over the United States at The K Club, just six weeks after his first wife, Heather, died.

"The Ryder Cup has been a massive part of my life and my career, so to have the chance to lead Europe next year is a huge honor," said Clarke, the first Northern Irishman to be given the captaincy. "I am lucky to have played and worked under some fantastic captains in my seven Ryder Cups to date, and I look forward to the challenge of trying to follow in their footsteps."

The European team is defending the cup after beating the U.S. 16 1/2-11 1/2 at Gleneagles in September. The Americans have won the Ryder Cup only one time in the past seven tries.

The charismatic, cigar-chomping Clarke, who won the British Open in 2011, is a popular figure in the United States and seems suited to be Europe's captain for a Ryder Cup on American soil.

L-R: Martin Kaymer, Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell of Europe pose for a photograph at the Gleneagles Hotel before leaving for the Ryder Cup Team Gala Dinner.

United States team captain Tom Watson talks during the 2014 Ryder Cup Gala Dinner at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum on September 24, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland.

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The Ryder Cup trophy on display during the 2014 Ryder Cup Gala Concert at the SSE Hydro.

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Europe team captain Paul McGinley (L) shakes hands with United States team captain Tom Watson with Fred MacAulay during the 2014 Ryder Cup Gala Concert.

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Sergio Garcia of Europe and Katharina Boehm wave during the 2014 Ryder Cup Gala Concert at the SSE Hydro on Sept. 24, 2014, in Glasgow, Scotland.

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Jamie Donaldson of Europe and partner Kathryn Tagg appear on stage during the 2014 Ryder Cup Gala Concert at the SSE Hydro on Sept. 24, 2014, in Glasgow, Scotland.

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The Europe and the United States teams appear on stage during the 2014 Ryder Cup Gala Concert at the SSE Hydro on Sept. 24, 2014, in Glasgow, Scotland.

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Ryder Cup Gala 2014

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"He is also a popular figure among the players and has both the passion and knowledge to lead Europe in the quest for a record fourth consecutive Ryder Cup victory," said George O'Grady, chief executive of the European Tour.

O'Grady and David Howell, a member of the tour's players' committee, were also on the panel that met for about two hours on Wednesday at the tour's headquarters at The Wentworth Club.

The Associated Press reported Monday that Davis Love III would be the captain of the U.S. team. He is to be introduced on Feb. 24. Love and Clarke are close friends.